Research Shows Touch Matters More than We May Have Thought

Aimee Herd (September 30, 2008)

The study found that with caring touch—holding hands, massage, hugging and kissing—blood pressure was lowered, stress hormones decreased in the blood and the positive hormone, oxytocin increased in the blood.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Many years ago the Lord taught me a lesson about touch and I've never forgotten it. (You tend not to forget the things the Lord shows you directly!) One night, after my husband and I had had an argument, I distinctly heard (not aloud) the Lord tell me to reach over and put my hand on my husband's arm, because "touch is important." That was the LAST thing I wanted to do since I was still mad. But the Holy Spirit kept prodding me. I told God I didn't want to touch my husband, and He said, "I DO. When you touch him it will be MY touch, MY love." How could I refuse that?! So I reached over and put my hand on my husband's arm—immediately I was immersed in God's love for him. It was remarkable. As I watched this report; that is what came to mind. Could it be that as we touch another person—hold their hand, give them a hug—we can be an extension of God's own hands? -Aimee Herd, BCN.

(Utah, USA)—Research out of Brigham Young University is suggesting that simple human touch, such as holding hands, can help heal.

FOXNews' Megyn Kelly spoke with Dr. Mark Siegel about the study. "We spend so much time worrying about bacteria and viruses being spread saying, 'wash your hands, don't touch;' it's great to look at the positive effects of touching," said Siegel.

The research involved 34 married couples, ages 20 to 39, and took place in the couples' home environment. The study found that with caring touch—holding hands, massage, hugging and kissing—blood pressure was lowered, stress hormones decreased in the blood and the positive hormone, oxytocin increased in the blood.

Dr. Siegel added, "Previous studies have shown that the brain centers that are activated by fear and worry, those decreased in response to this kind of touching. So you're calming someone…studies have shown that worry and stress can increase stroke and heart disease, so there's really something to this."

To watch this video report, use the link provided.

Source: Megyn Kelly, Dr. Mark Siegel – FOXNews.com

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